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Sends Letter To Administrator Pistole Expressing Union's View

Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa repeated his strong opposition to the Transport Security Administration's (TSA) decision to allow knives in the aircraft cabin in a letter sent Monday to TSA Administrator John S. Pistole. In the letter, Hoffa demanded to know why the administrator didn't consult any of the unions that represent flight attendants before moving forward with this proposal.

"I cannot fathom the TSA's rationale for allowing knives on planes with blades longer than box cutters – which are still banned," Hoffa said. "This proposal is pure lunacy and flies in the face of common sense.

"Most disturbing is the fact that not one union representing flight attendants was consulted or asked for input on this proposal. These are frontline workers that are being put in the most danger. While pilots now fly behind reinforced cockpit doors, flight attendants have little protection from knife wielding passengers wanting to do harm."

Hoffa pointed out that self-defense training for flight attendants is voluntary. "For the safety of the traveling public, our hard-working flight attendants, pilots, and other airline employees, I implore you to rethink this change in security policy," Hoffa wrote.

The letter was copied to President Obama, Vice President Biden, and "Members of Congress."